World Book Day is an annual event held to celebrate and encourage reading.
The day further aims to offer all children and young people the opportunity to own a book of their own. To access free resources and book vouchers CLICK HERE to visit World Book Days official site.
There are many benefits to a child reading regularly including:
- Supported cognitive development
- Improved language skills
- Preparation for academic success
- Increased concentration and discipline
- Improved imagination and creativity
- Cultivating lifelong love of reading
Cheltenham Animal Shelter aims to support children reading by working with our rescue animals through our Paws for Reading scheme.
Two local primary schools currently access to project; The Ridge Academy and Gardners Lane Primary School. The initiative was set up in 2017 alongside Prestbury Library and The Ridge Academy to help local primary school children with low level reading confidence.
“I would say that this project is very rewarding – it’s my favourite. The SEN pupils get to be out in the community and can enjoy being in the library. Having a dog in the room immediately reduces their anxiety levels. It has been so wonderful to see children enjoying books – especially those who didn’t think they liked them – we can always find a book that fits with their special interest. It’s satisfying to know that the animals coming from the shelter – enjoy their socialisation time too.”
Laura, Library Assistant at Prestbury Library
During the sessions children read aloud to one of our rescue animals.
Through reading to a dog, cat, or rabbit, instead of their peers, teachers, or parents it allows them to relax and enjoy the experience without the pressures of expectation. Furthermore, it can be a therapeutic experience for the young person, by reducing their stress levels, resulting in any worries they have surrounding reading decreasing, making the activity more enjoyable.
“Paws for reading has been a great way of getting our pupils to be interested in reading and motivated to read aloud. Reading to animals has helped with building their confidence and enjoy reading more in a stress-free environment.”
Rachel, Teacher at The Ridge Academy
The project further benefits our rescue animals.
Sessions run at Prestbury library with the Ridge Academy allow the dogs to have respite from their kennels. During both the onsite sessions where the children read to our cats or rabbits, and off-site sessions with the dogs the sounds of the children’s voices and extra human companionship can help relax the animals and reduce their stress levels within the rescue environment.
All our animals are assessed by our behaviour team, ensuring any pets taking part in the sessions will enjoy their time on the project and benefit from the extra human interaction.
Here is what some of the students from Gardners Lane Primary School have to say about their experience of the project!
“I really liked visiting the animal shelter because the animals were amazing. The rabbits were so awesome and cute. I liked reading to them.”
“It’s good because I love animals, and I liked reading to them. They liked my story book too”.
“I liked reading to the cats and one of them liked it when I played with the cat toy. It was fun”
“Danielle was so nice to us and let us see all the cats and rabbits.”
“I liked the cats as they came out to see me when I read my book. I think they wanted to play.”
To find out more about our project or express an interest in your school joining the initiative please visit our Paws for Reading page.
